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Replies (18)
- wetdawgs
- Contributions:26804
Run a Zillion miles away from an agency that offers "we guarantee to sell your home or we'll buy it". Sure, for a quarter? Most are scams.
- Marie Souza Team, "MarieSouzaTeam"
- Contributions:294
Finding the best Agent is key in getting your house sold in this market. I would interview 3 Top Agents, ask them to show you their sales in your area (very important) for the last year. Ask them how much advertising they will be doing, ask to see samples. Go with the Agent who markets properties like crazy & has the sales to back it up. If you are buying in the same area, use the same Agent (make sure they offer Buyer Agency).Also - in my experience the "we'll sell your house in X days or we buy it for cash" is that you will get a much lower price than what your house is worth. In other words, they buy it at below market value so they can sell it at market value & make some profit. In my opinion, you are better off pricing your house competitively with a top agent/agency.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
- Ofe Polack, "Ofe Polack"
- Contributions:1417
When I visit a seller I bring with me examples of the way I market properties, way an above what the agency offers. You want an agent who thinks your property is special, because all properties are, and has a certain track record of success. I have seen new agents work very hard to prove themselves and since they have usually less properties to market they also do a good job. On the other had I have seen Top Producers who are so busy that they cannot give that special touch to all the properties. Ultimately, real estate relationships, are not unlike every other type of relationship, you must "hit it off" with the agent. I suggest that you discuss the type of communication you expect to receive, so that there will be no disappointments at the end. The best of luck!
- Brian Teyssier, "Brian Teyssier GRI"
- Contributions:964
"Stovalli"
Thank you for your question. The best recommendation is to contact a local Realtor in your area. You can find one by searching on Zillow in your area. After you find one, you can read actual reviews by their past clients!!! If this does not work for you, I would be willing to lend a hand just give me a shout.
- Suzie Crudo, "Wholenewattitude"
- Contributions:16
Love this question.First start with asking the people YOU trust if they have used an agent recently that they liked.I suggest recently as if it was as far back as 2005 many agents could be superstars with very little effor.The ones that are still working and successful in this market is a great place to start.Ask around first,then set you an interview.I do suggest at least 3.I would NEVER tell someone the old adage that do not hire the agent with the higher pricing.I DID come in the highest on an interview btwn 5 other aagents THANK goodness the seller said " I really do not want to hire the highest agent,only I like what you have to offer" Funny thing is when you have DATA and information to back up WHY you passionatly support a value or opinion,there is trust.I had just sold a home in that subdivision 1 week earlier,and with the 28 showings they ALL wanted this ONE floorplan that this new client had.I said give me 30 days,and if you think I was no accurate on the pricing you are free to fire me. We closed in 45 days from that conversation for full price!! Best advice,TRUST comes with the agent being able to SHOW you the facts,TEACH you why and what is important in the home selling process and LISTEN to your needs.If one of those elements is missing,you will not have good teamwork as there will be no trust.The amazing thing is when you can sell yourself with that confidence,data,passion and drive,the client already knows what type of representation they should be getting.
On the marketing front,they must have strong exposure,their site,what kind of traffic do they get? what does the site look like? How does you home look on numberous webpages,links.videos,and photography? How may sites and hits does each site expect to get.Is there Print advertising? What about signage? Can they call the agent direct from the sign or is it going to a company phone number? Selling doesnot end at 7PM,somewhere in the world it is not evening.PLUS the internet does not sleep.
Once you trust that agent,you should have comfort in using them for any or your Real Estate needs.
The differences in agencies are mostly to the business model and how it effects the agent and their compensation and agreements.That can effect what and HOW the client is protected or what extra benefits you may or maynot get.Each agent should be able to explain that to you that best shows you the benfits of WHY their agency is a plus to them if you hire that agent.
What an agency that guarantees to buy you home does NOT say up front...is for how much? beware.It sounds great in theary and a slick marketing approach.Only how many times do you think a company will pay the highest price and best terms for your home?
Best of luck Suzie
On the marketing front,they must have strong exposure,their site,what kind of traffic do they get? what does the site look like? How does you home look on numberous webpages,links.videos,and photography? How may sites and hits does each site expect to get.Is there Print advertising? What about signage? Can they call the agent direct from the sign or is it going to a company phone number? Selling doesnot end at 7PM,somewhere in the world it is not evening.PLUS the internet does not sleep.
Once you trust that agent,you should have comfort in using them for any or your Real Estate needs.
The differences in agencies are mostly to the business model and how it effects the agent and their compensation and agreements.That can effect what and HOW the client is protected or what extra benefits you may or maynot get.Each agent should be able to explain that to you that best shows you the benfits of WHY their agency is a plus to them if you hire that agent.
What an agency that guarantees to buy you home does NOT say up front...is for how much? beware.It sounds great in theary and a slick marketing approach.Only how many times do you think a company will pay the highest price and best terms for your home?
Best of luck Suzie
- rockinblu
- Contributions:7202
Hi Stovali,
The blog attached to the link below may be of some help. Good luck.
http://rockinblu-rockinblu.blogspot.com/2009/02/ive-got-my-fingers-crossed.html
The blog attached to the link below may be of some help. Good luck.
http://rockinblu-rockinblu.blogspot.com/2009/02/ive-got-my-fingers-crossed.html
- Karen Abeyta, "Karen Abeyta"
- Contributions:20
You need to feel a conection with your agent. You will be working as team. Interview several agents. They should show you the "SOLDS" in your neighborhood within the last 90 days. What the homes started at, how long they were on the market and what they finally sold for.
They may show you expired or canceled, to show you prices that didn't work.
Your home needs to be in top condtion to sell. Inside a well as out. Generally yor first offr is the best. If you haven't received many showings in the first two weeks or an offer think of reducing. Our Company is International and puts your listing on all the major Real Estate web sites.
If you are staying in the same area it is great to use the same agent because you have already workng as team. They know our wants and needs.
They may show you expired or canceled, to show you prices that didn't work.
Your home needs to be in top condtion to sell. Inside a well as out. Generally yor first offr is the best. If you haven't received many showings in the first two weeks or an offer think of reducing. Our Company is International and puts your listing on all the major Real Estate web sites.
If you are staying in the same area it is great to use the same agent because you have already workng as team. They know our wants and needs.
- Elisa Mullins, CPM, Broker, "discountrealtor"
- Contributions:515
No amount of marketing can ever sell an overpriced home.... !
research the agent but dont forget to research the market, too ! If you are choosing your agent based upon them making you feel good about your home or your pricing... then your home wil sit on the market and or you will be dropping your list price frequently to chase the market... too many sellers are promised higher listing prices in a falling market... and then they choose the agent with the better marketing plan but expect that agent to list their home at that higher listing presentation pricing...!
It is a very good strategy to use the same agent or agency to buy and sell your home, in my opinion; It helps you to coordinate timing to best work for all parties...and helps the agent to know that they have a motivated client that trusts them.
Good Luck !
- Frieda Triebel, "Frieda Triebel"
- Contributions:234
Ask your friends and close acquaintances for recommendations of experienced, full-time professionals who service your area. You can also get some information on the internet ; a Zillow Premier Agent is a good consideration. Schedule a few interviews, or just chat by phone and/or email. This will help you determine which agent(s) you are most comfortable with, and then you can get opinions of market value as well as information on the agent's(s') marketing strategy.
When all of this is done, you'll be able to make a decision on the best agent to represent you.
Good luck :)
When all of this is done, you'll be able to make a decision on the best agent to represent you.
Good luck :)
- Frieda Triebel, "Frieda Triebel"
- Contributions:234
One more thing, I agree with the advice to steer away from companies that will buy your house if it does not sell because they will offer you far below market value.
- Jim Basquette CRS, CNE, "Jim Basquette"
- Contributions:1231
There is link to an article called "How Sellers Should Choose a Real Estate Agent" in my profile. Click on my name then scroll down past the bio and testimonials. Their is a link to that and several other articles for sellers.
Good Luck
Good Luck
- Steve Epstein, "epstein1"
- Contributions:48
The bottom line is the the consumer of real estate services (buyer or seller) should, first and foremost, select the agent that they most trust with a close second criteria being the most competant (OK, you could reverse #1 and #2 if you needed/wanted to). Experience really should go a long way but why would anybody choose to work with an agent they did not trust or like. Buying and selling real estate can be stressful enough, I think consumers should take steps, via their selction of a Realtor to minimize the stressful things they can control and fasten their seatbelts for all the things we are unable to control!
- Anthony Frisone, "ajfrisone"
- Contributions:355
If you like I can help you find a good agent in your area. Feel free to contact me anytime
- Stovalli
- Contributions:7
Thank you all for your professional feedback. Educating oneself is most helpful in this stressful process and I can truly say I enjoy buying much more than thinking about this selling. This market is scary enough! Once one finds an agent they want to work with, could a realtor be honest enough to tell me its not a good time to sell if it could be the case? Does the number of listings a realtor has, tell one anything about their professional skills? And, when you tell me make sure the agent is 'experienced'...what would your recommendations be for the minimum years experience? Is there somewhere one can look up their credentials and certifications without asking the agent themselves?
Thanks all in advance !
Thanks all in advance !
- Noel Crider, "hockeygirl"
- Contributions:45
Hello...I would run from anyone who tells you now is the time to sell. The only reason to sell a home now is if there is a reason you must. If you have no compelling reason to sell now, then don't. But don't believe that waiting a few years make a difference and get you a higher price. This market is tough for sellers, and is not going to ease up much over the near term. If you MUST sell, find an agent who will tell you the truth, not one who tells you what you want to hear in order to get the listing. Truly, there is nothing better than the testimonials of satisfied clients. If you can't find them on the Zillow tool, you might select a few agents whose signs you see around your area, and then speak to their broker or office manager. They should be able to hook you up with past clients for reviews. Also, there is a website called incredibleagents.com where many agents are registered, and their clients can leave reviews. Good luck!
- Sergio Hernandez, "Sergio Hernandez"
- Contributions:619
Start by asking family and friends for recommendations. The best way to find a good professional, is to ask others who have used the type of professional you're looking for, to recommend one.
What you should look for in a Realtor are the same qualities you would look for in any other professional. Honesty, experience, knowledge, a record of success and the willingness to get the job done.
There is a vast difference in real estate firms, as there is in Realtors within the same firm. Keep your focus on the Realtor you're considering working with, because selecting a real estate firm based on their size, or the marketing tools they offer will not do you a bit of good, if the Realtor you end up working with is unwilling, or is incapable of using the marketing tools he/she has available to them.
I have yet to meet a Realtor, or a real estate company willing to guarantee the sale of a property. Frankly, I don't know how that is even possible. As for buying a home, if a real estate company, or a Realtor fails to sell it, re-read the first two sentences of this paragraph.
What you should look for in a Realtor are the same qualities you would look for in any other professional. Honesty, experience, knowledge, a record of success and the willingness to get the job done.
There is a vast difference in real estate firms, as there is in Realtors within the same firm. Keep your focus on the Realtor you're considering working with, because selecting a real estate firm based on their size, or the marketing tools they offer will not do you a bit of good, if the Realtor you end up working with is unwilling, or is incapable of using the marketing tools he/she has available to them.
I have yet to meet a Realtor, or a real estate company willing to guarantee the sale of a property. Frankly, I don't know how that is even possible. As for buying a home, if a real estate company, or a Realtor fails to sell it, re-read the first two sentences of this paragraph.
- Ty Stewart, "Ty Stewart"
- Contributions:9
I think an agent's honesty and their personality should be the most importatnt factors to you. The agent who sells the most homes in your area might not be the one you want. The agent who shows you all the fancy marketing they will do, might not bee the one you want. An agent who is honest, knowledgable, and responsive (not too busy) will probably be a good fit. Marketing and past experiences in your neighborhood won't have as much to do with selling your home as an agent may want you to believe. You will need to hire an agent who will answer the phone when a prospective buyer calls and be willing to show them the home immediately.
- Toby & John T. Williams, "tjplace"
- Contributions:271
1. How long have they been in the business?
2. How many homes do they sell in a year (them, not the company) Ask for a list of properties. We provide a list for each of the last 10 years as proof.
3. Do they have any other jobs? Teacher? Postman? ect. Do you want a part timer who calls themself full time?
4. Do they give you a 24 hour number to reach them or just an office number.
5. Where do they sell the most homes, is it in YOUR neighborhood?
6. Where do they advertise? It's all about the internet, but not all agents use all the options available? Youtube? Zillow, Craigslist, Individual Website for YOUR home?
Good luck, ask the right questions and things will become clearer.
2. How many homes do they sell in a year (them, not the company) Ask for a list of properties. We provide a list for each of the last 10 years as proof.
3. Do they have any other jobs? Teacher? Postman? ect. Do you want a part timer who calls themself full time?
4. Do they give you a 24 hour number to reach them or just an office number.
5. Where do they sell the most homes, is it in YOUR neighborhood?
6. Where do they advertise? It's all about the internet, but not all agents use all the options available? Youtube? Zillow, Craigslist, Individual Website for YOUR home?
Good luck, ask the right questions and things will become clearer.
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